DEFINITIONS.

In this subchapter:

(1) Repealed by Acts 2025, 89th Leg., R.S., Ch. 707 (H.B. 18), Sec. 14(1), eff. June 20, 2025.

(2) "Pediatric specialist" means a physician who is certified in general pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics or American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.

(3) "Pediatric subspecialist" means a physician who is certified in a pediatric subspecialty by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties or American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics.

(4) "Pediatric tele-specialty provider" means a pediatric health care facility in this state that offers continuous access to telemedicine medical services provided by pediatric subspecialists.

(5) "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in this state.

(6) "Program" means the pediatric tele-connectivity resource program for rural Texas established under this subchapter.

(6-a) "Rural health clinic" has the meaning assigned by Section 113.0001, Health and Safety Code.

(6-b) "Rural hospital" means a health care facility licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, that:

(A) is located in a county with a population of 68,750 or less; or

(B) has been designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a critical access hospital, rural referral center, or sole community hospital and:

(i) is not located in a metropolitan statistical area; or

(ii) if the hospital has 100 or fewer beds, is located in a metropolitan statistical area.

(7) Notwithstanding Section 521.0001, "telemedicine medical service" means a health care service delivered to a patient:

(A) by a physician acting within the scope of the physician's license or a health professional acting under the delegation and supervision of a physician and within the scope of the health professional's license;

(B) from a physical location that is different from the patient's location; and

(C) using telecommunications or information technology.